Here's a letter going out to varios Indiana Legislators this week. It's rather lengthy, and assumes 1) that legislators can read and 2) that they actually give a shit. --- Still it explains things quite well. The NRC does look at "fishy" things, not just hunting and wildlife things. Check to see if any of the conservation groups you belong to are aware and might want to have a voice and by all means, contact your local legislator (
iga.in.gov/information/find-legislators) email or regular mail and just say "Vote no on HB 1003.
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TO: Speaker Huston, Rep. Karickhoff, Rep. King, Rep. Lehman, Rep. Bartels, Rep.
Doug Miller, Rep. Kyle Pierce, Rep. Dant Chesser, Pro Tem Bray, Sen. Garten, Sen.
Holdman, Sen. Glick, Sen. Crider, and
CC: Josh Kelley, Jason Johngson, Sec. Jaworowski, and DNR Director Morrison
SUBJECT: Opposition to the Elimination of the Natural Resources Commission in
House Bill 1003
House and Senate Leadership and Esteemed Members of the General Assembly:
As members of Indiana’s sporting and conservation community, we are deeply
concerned about the provisions in House Bill 1003 that would eliminate the Natural
Resources Commission (NRC).
While we support efforts to modernize and streamline state government and would
welcome a discussion on the structure and function of the NRC, the NRC is not a
redundant layer of bureaucracy that should be eliminated. For Indiana’s hunters,
anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts, it is our primary portal for public input and the "seat at
the table" that ensures our voices are heard in the governance of our wildlife and wild
places we cherish.
It is unclear what problem is being solved in this legislation by eliminating the
commission and directing its authorities to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
other than to make it harder for the public to be more directly engaged in natural
resource issues. Our organizations and our members directly pay for, regularly use, and
actively support our public lands, wildlife management and natural resources, and we
did not ask for this change.
Indiana’s hunters and anglers are the primary funders and stewards of Indiana's natural
heritage, and we sustain the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation through
license fees and excise taxes. Our outdoor recreational activities account for about
3.2% of Indiana’s GDP and annually support around 105,078 jobs in recreation
services, retail, hospitality, tourism, and related sectors.
The NRC model, which has existed since the DNR was established via the Natural
Resource Act in 1965, ensures that those who contribute the most to conservation have
a direct say in how those resources are managed. The General Assembly intentionally
separated some of the policymaking functions with the NRC from the enforcement
actions of the DNR as critical due-process safeguards for property owners, hunters,
anglers, conservationists, businesses, and local governments.
The NRC was created in response to a convergence of economic, environmental, and
governance challenges – issues that we still face today. It ensures that there are
consistent, statewide rules instead of local or ad hoc decisions – decisions informed by
science, technical expertise, and public input. It serves as a vital bridge between the
DNR and the public.
Importantly, the NRC is a standing body that can adjust regulations (e.g., seasons,
methods, limits) without constant statutory changes. It can nimbly respond to conditions
on the ground in a transparent and fair manner, such as recent efforts to tackle zoonotic
diseases like Chronic Wasting Disease and Avian Influenza.
The removal of NRC will also lead to an increase in lawsuits against the state as the
Commission arbitrates leases, mineral extraction, and more, serving in a quasi-judicial
role to help adjudicate disputes. If the Commission goes away, the default for resolving
such conflicts will become litigation, adding to the cost and time of state staff.
HB 1003’s attempt to eliminate the NRC would undo more than a half century of history
and trust that has been built in the conservation community with the state and DNR. It
would jeopardize the significant gains we have made in conserving our public and
shared resources – our wildlife and wild places.
The NRC is foundational to conservation in Indiana, is a nationally recognized model,
and is a necessary sounding board for our state’s wildlife policy. We respectfully urge
you to amend House Bill 1003 to preserve the Natural Resources Commission. Keep
the public involved in the process. Keep our experts in the field. Keep the "government
closest to the people" alive in Indiana conservation.
Respectfully,
Indiana Wildlife Federation
Ducks Unlimited
The Nature Conservancy in Indiana
Back Country Hunters and Anglers: Indiana Chapter
Izaak Walton League of America, Indiana Division
The Indiana Bowhunter Association
Safari Club International
Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever
Congressional Sportsman Foundation
Farmland Conservation Club
Indiana Catfish Conservation Association
Sportsman’s Roundtable
Indiana Bass Federation
National Wild Turkey Federation: Indiana Chapter
